Camp Report: Back To Football Bash Brings Fireworks

On and off the field, there was plenty to watch Wednesday night at Arrowhead

ARROWHEAD STADIUM – Fireworks lit the sky following the Chiefs Back to Football Bash Wednesday night, but Head Coach Todd Haley provided some of his own for fans who turned out of the final public practice of 2011.

In the two-hour session at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs held a number of 11-v-11 periods matching up the first-team offense against the first-team defense. Now just 18 days away from kicking off the regular season, Haley also held a developmental scrimmage for an extended evaluation of youngsters and reserve players.

"I think (cuts) will be as difficult as ever,” Haley said. “It's never an easy thing, and the harder it is, the better it is. For us as coaches and as an organization, we kind of feel that way, that when those decisions get more and more difficult - they're always difficult from the standpoint of you've got guys that aren't going to be here and have put a lot into it - but when they're more difficult from a decision-making standpoint, that's good for us."

Two games, three practices and a handful of walkthroughs separate the Chiefs from having to make a decision on the first edition of the team’s 53-man roster.

“It’s getting closer and these next two weeks are going to fly by,” LB Derrick Johnson said. “The itch is already there to get going.”

First-Team vs. First-Team Goal Line Period

The first-team offense and defense gathered for a live goal line session to close practice for the starters. Once again, the defense emerged victorious.

In this version of the drill, the offense was given four downs to score from the 10-yard line, trailing by four or more points. Here’s a recap of the defensive victory…

1st and goal (ball on 10) – Matt Cassel pass complete to Dwayne Bowe on a 9-yard out just in front of the right pylon.

2nd and goal (ball on 1) – Thomas Jones smothered by a wall of defenders for a two-yard loss.

4th and goal (ball on 3) – Cassel pass incomplete on a quick slant to Jerheme Urban; the throw was high and had plenty of velocity. Tamba Hali was able to find his way into the passing lane as well.

Siler Out For Chiefs

Brandon Siler was not on the field Wednesday night following reports from his agent, David Cantor, that the linebacker’s season is over because of injury. The Chiefs have yet to address the injury or make a corresponding move to place Siler on injured reserve.

Siler had been working with the second-team defense at “Mike” linebacker behind Jovan Belcher, but his crossover ability to play the “Will” position as well had the Chiefs particularly excited. Siler signed earlier in camp as an unrestricted free agent from San Diego. The Chiefs did not have any crossover players at inside linebacker last season.

Justin Cole was working with the second-team defense in Siler’s absence. Cole made the Chiefs 53-man roster last season as a rookie free agent out of San Jose State.

“I think we have good depth right now, but it’s always tough losing any kind of linebacker,” LB Derrick Johnson said. “It’s hard. This is a violent sport that injuries happen in and that’s the unfortunate part of it.”

Demorrio Williams continues to work with the second-team defense at “Will” linebacker behind Johnson.

- In addition to Siler and the outside linebackers, also sitting out for the Chiefs was WR Jonathan Baldwin, OL Darryl Harris, T Ryan O’Callaghan and TE Jake O’Connell.

- WR Jerheme Urban continued his solid camp with a diving catch over the middle for a 25-yard gain from Matt Cassel. He was popped by defenders while extending his reach, but still able to hold onto the football.

- S Jon McGraw hauled in a one-handed INT when Cassel tried to connect with WR Dwayne Bowe on a post over the middle.

- Cassel connected with WR Keary Colbert for an easy TD connection after the defense blew coverage. Later, Colbert hauled in a much more difficult grab on a stumbling, bobbling shoe-string grab in front of S Sabby Piscitelli. It was questionable whether or not Colbert got both feet inbounds, but if he did, it was the best catch of camp thus far.

Meet The Team Next Monday At KC Power and Light District

The Chiefs will hold a kickoff rally Monday, Aug. 29th on the KC Live Stage at the Power and Light District.

The rally will start at 5 p.m. and among those scheduled to appear on stage are Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli and Head Coach Todd Haley. Special guests will include Mitch Holthus, the voice of Kansas City Chiefs who will introduce the team from the stage. Sports Radio 810 WHB, 101 The Fox, the home of the Chiefs Radio Network, and KCTV5 will be on site for the event.